United Airlines has become the first US airline to offer non-binary gender options throughout all booking channels. There is also an option to select the title “Mx.” during booking and in a MileagePlus customer profile.
Those booking with the airline can choose to identify themselves as M (male), F (female), U (undisclosed or unspecified). The gender option chosen by the passenger must correspond with what is indicated on their passports or identification in order to satisfy the Transportation Security Administration, however anyone regardless of identification can choose the title “Mx.”
The airline tweeted today (Friday 22nd March) “Fly how you identify. Our new non-binary gender options are now available.”
United Airlines tweet
Chief customer officer Toby Enqvist said:
“United is determined to lead the industry in LGBT inclusivity, and we are so proud to be the first U.S. airline to offer these inclusive booking options for our customers.
“United is excited to share with our customers, whether they identify along the binary of male or female or not, that we are taking the steps to exhibit our care for them while also providing additional employee training to make us even more welcoming for all customers and employees.”
United has worked with the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project on employee training initiatives.
These initiatives include teaching employees about preferred pronouns and the persistence of gender norms, LGBT competency in the workplace and other steps to make United an inclusive space for both customers and employees.
Beck Bailey, acting director of the Workplace Equality Program said:
“At the Human Rights Campaign, we believe being acknowledged as the gender you identify with is part of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
“By providing non-binary gender selection for ticketing and the gender-inclusive honorific ‘Mx’ in user profiles, United Airlines is taking an important step forward for non-binary inclusion.”
The changes to the booking process are now currently available.